Weird world of ‘Poor Things’

How might someone behave after a brain transplant? The possibilities are endless—one could go mad, fall into a trance, behave normally, or exhibit any number of unexpected outcomes. Poor Things, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos—known for his strange, disturbing, and surreal works such as Dogtooth (2009), The Lobster (2015), and most recently Kinds of Kindness—invites audiences into a bizarre yet captivating world, using layered metaphors to explore complex ideas. The story takes an intriguing turn when it introduces Bella Baxter, a fully grown woman brought to life with the brain of an infant, portrayed by Emma Stone.

This Academy Award-winning film thoughtfully explores the developmental journey of a child's mind in an adult body, showcasing Bella’s relentless curiosity and drive to experience life’s mysteries. Her journey is a subtle reminder to embrace life’s offerings as an adventure. The film also delves into the tension between personal desires and socially acceptable behaviors, questioning how our actions are shaped by societal norms rather than our true instincts.

Through a series of events, we witness Bella's transformation from an emotionless character into a person of profound empathy, someone who recognizes the complexities of the world around her. This transformation serves as a metaphor for the need to bring empathy and human understanding into public life.

While Bella’s story presents one side of life’s journey, another perspective is offered through Duncan Wedderburn, played by Mark Ruffalo. The film uses metaphors of sex, food, and sleep to reveal the pitfalls of excess and desire. Duncan’s hedonistic pursuits ultimately lead to his undoing, a cautionary message for contemporary audiences. The recurring scenes where characters repeatedly indulge in pleasurable yet harmful behaviors symbolize humanity’s tendency to ignore the consequences of overindulgence.

The movie does venture into ethically and morally challenging territory. For instance, it features scenes depicting childlike characters in adult situations, which may feel uncomfortable to some viewers. The presence of nudity and intimacy on screen raises questions about appropriateness, especially in scenes involving characters with a childlike mentality. Moreover, certain details about the brain surgery process may also seem scientifically dubious.

Despite these controversies, Poor Things is a thought-provoking film with layers of meaning open to interpretation. Bella’s journey of love and self-discovery—untethered from the weight of her past—adds depth to the story, making it a worthy addition to any watchlist.

Comedy/Fantasy

Cast: Emma Stone, Margaret Qualley, Mark Ruffalo

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

Duration: 2 hours 21 minutes

IMDb: 7.8/10